Sunderland announced their arrival to the Premier League with a clinical 3-0 victory against West Ham in the season opener as Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor scored in the second half.
The Black Cats might have kept a clean sheet, but they are far from satisfied with their defensive depth. Sunderland is interested in adding more firepower to the backline as they seek to assert their dominance in the top flight.
Sunderland [reportedly offered a €3M per season contract](https://www.si.com/soccer/sunderland/sunderland-nation-transfers/reliable-outlet-confirms-sunderland-table-bid-juventus-leeds-united-target) to Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi earlier this week. The 27-year-old's agent addressed the situation on Friday.
Jhon Lucumi's Agent Drops Major Update on Sunderland Transfer Situation
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Sunderland have already splurged over £142 million in the current transfer window, acquiring the likes of Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra. However, the club didn't make any major defensive changes until last week.
The club signed Getafe's Omar Alderete for a £10 million fee. The former La Liga star is bound to Sunderland until June 2029. They also struck a deal with Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League winners, for Nordi Mukiele, reuniting him with former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Xhaka.
Despite the signings, Sunderland has sent a £54,000-a-week deal to Lucumi. According to Gianluca DI Marzio, the Colombian CB is keen on joining the newly promoted side. However, the club is reluctant to part ways with its star defender.
Lucumi's agent [broke silence on the transfer saga](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1958991191363789252) and made his stance clear about the player's future.
“I carefully read the words of the CEO of Bologna, whom I respect a lot, as well as the club that has accompanied Jhon in these wonderful years," the statement read.
"It's natural to feel a little disappointment, because our relationship with the club has always been human. From the beginning, our project was linked to a stay of two or three years, recognising in Jhon a constantly growing player."
"Last year, we were asked to stay, and we did so with great availability. This year, however, since the beginning of the season, the message has always been clear on both sides: if the right offer had arrived, Jhon would have had the possibility of a transfer."
"I therefore hope that on the part of Bologna, there can be a reflection that allows us to find a balanced and positive solution for everyone. I understand the importance of the club and the player, and I only expect that our request can also be understood.”
Lucumi played a crucial role in Bologna's Coppa Italia victory, the club's first major title in 51 years. His £24m release clause has expired, and Sunderland has a great opportunity to negotiate a deal.
Bologna's CEO, Claudio Fenucci, has been open about his desire to keep Lucumi, but he knows that offers from the Premier League might urge the player to leave. He does not want to replace him right now and are on the hunt for the right player at the right level.
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